Raising the bar with Forensic Science

Welcome to the internationally accredited Forensic Science program at the  University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Students graduate from our program with a Bachelor of Science, Honors in Forensic Science and have the
option to specialize in chemistry, biology, psychology, or physics.  The practical components of the program are taught in both our laboratory and
field facilities. The Forensic Science laboratory is equipped with
state-of-the-art instrumentation and here students develop strong skills
and experience centered on microscopy, forensic biology,
and forensic chemistry.

Our field facility includes areas for
learning about taphonomy and archaeology, vehicular investigations,
decomposition, and entomology. Also located here is our
flagship Crime Scene House. A unique feature of the crime scene
house is the dual function it serves. Office and classroom spaces are available
on the main floor.

The classroom is used for lectures and
to discuss theory and techniques before applying them in a practical
setting. The office houses our video monitoring system that allows
instructors to view and record students as they work. Our storage, instrument room, and team
preparation area is located in the basement. Here students put on their personal
protective equipment as well as assemble their team's digital
photography and scene field kits.

Specialized equipment for scene analysis
such as fingerprint chambers are also housed here. Students begin their investigation with
a visual examination of the scene followed by sketching, measurements, and
digital photography. Unique to our program is the use of
tablet computers. Practicing a paperless workflow of
information, members of a team can share
information, sketches, and photographs in real time using the same case folder.

Students learn to use alternative light
sources to locate bodily fluid stains for further collection and analysis. An alternative light source can also be
used to aid in the visualization of fingerprints that have been chemically enhanced with a
fluorescent dye. During a mock investigation, students analyze bloodstains and
patterns to determine origin, area of convergence, and the sequence of events. By calculating trajectory and angle of
impact, students can work backwards to determine the spatter origin.

This would help corroborate or refute a victim or witness statement. It may also help investigators determine
where a victim or suspect was standing or kneeling, sequence of events, and perhaps
what weapon was used during the assault. Our graduates possess a wide range of
knowledge and have a variety of career opportunities available to them. Some of our alumni have chosen to
continue their studies at medical school, teacher's college, or
graduate schools while others have found careers as
forensic identification officers, forensic scientists or technologists, as
well as laboratory analysts and research technicians..